Get ready for a super simple recipe as we dive into Sweet Chili Chicken Wings. With this recipe, we are making sweet chili chicken in the air fryer. Originating in Asia, this dish has graced tabletops worldwide offering a fusion of delicious flavors.
What is Sweet Chili Chicken Wings?
Sweet Chili Chicken, particularly in the form of wings, embodies a perfect blend of sweetness and heat.
Originating from countries like Thailand and Vietnam, these wings are drenched in a sauce that combines the sweetness of sugar or honey with the fiery kick of chili peppers, often complemented by garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
Where is Sweet Chili Chicken From?
In Asian cuisines, sweet chili sauce has been a culinary staple for a while. Particularly countries like Thailand and Vietnam, sweet chili sauces have long been a staple in their cuisines.
The transition of this delectable sauce onto chicken wings is believed to have happened in the United States. As with many international dishes, immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them, and it didn’t take long for American tastes to embrace this combination.
What is Sweet Chili Sauce?
The allure of sweet chili sauce lies in its ability to elevate any dish, especially chicken wings. The blend of sweet and spicy flavors creates an explosion on your taste buds that’s hard to match.
These sauces typically combine the sweetness of sugar or honey with the heat of chili peppers, often incorporating other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and vinegar for a well-rounded taste. This fusion of flavors has been used to add a kick to various dishes, from stir-fries to spring rolls.
Now, let’s dig into the flavor explosion of our Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings.
How to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of our recipe, let’s chat about why the air fryer is your secret weapon for Asian sweet chili wings.
Air fryers are your best friends in the kitchen, and here’s why. They work their magic by circulating hot air around your food, creating that satisfying crispy texture you’d expect from deep-frying, minus all the excess grease.
Plus, they’re pretty easy to clean up, making the that process so much easier for you.
TIP Add baking powder on your chicken wings when using an air-fryer makes them super crispy.
Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Sweet chili sauce
- Minced garlic
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Chili Powder
- Black Pepper
- Cajun Seasoning
- Baking Powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Optional Ingredients:
- Thai Chili Peppers
- Green Onion
Instructions:
- Prep Your Wings: First things first, make sure you dry the wings all the way off. This is crucial to get that crispiness that we’re all looking for.
- Season Your Wings: Make sure to add all your spices and seasonings to the wings. You don’t want to over season as you will be topping with a super flavorful sauce.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Get your air fryer sizzling hot at 400°F.
- Air Fry: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Lay out those seasoned chicken wings and let the air fryer work its crispy magic. Cook them for about 20 – 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and voilà, you’ve got golden-brown, crazy crispy wings!
- Spruce up Your Sauce: Go ahead and eat up your sauce with some minced garlic and chopped green onion.
- Serve: Plate ’em up, serve ’em hot, and don’t forget the garnish. You can garnish with Thai chili peppers, green onion, and/or red pepper flakes.
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Crispy, juicy, and loaded with that sweet and spicy chili sauce, these wings are your ticket to flavor heaven. These wings will make your taste buds dance with joy. So, roll up your sleeves, start cooking, and enjoy this crispy, sweet, and spicy delight!
If you’re interested in sauces for chicken wings, check out our Chimichurri Sauce Recipe.
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 20 Chicken Wings
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- ¼ cup Chopped Green Onion
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly patting dry the chicken wings with paper towels.20 Chicken Wings
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Toss the chicken wings in this flavorful seasoning mixture until they're evenly coated.1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning, 1 tbsp Garlic Powder, 1 tbsp Onion Powder, 1 tsp Paprika, 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Toss the wings in baking powder over the seasoned chicken wings. The baking powder will help make the wings extra crispy when air-fried.2 tbsp Baking Powder
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned and coated wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they have some space between them.
- Cook the wings in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding. Air fry the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden and super crispy.
- While the wings are cooking, it's time to prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweet chili sauce and minced garlic. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and the garlic is fragrant. This will infuse the sauce with even more flavor.1 cup Sweet Chili Sauce, 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- Once the wings are done air frying and have reached that perfect, mouthwatering crispiness, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm sweet chili and garlic sauce over the wings. Gently toss them to coat evenly.
- Servie your Sweet Chili Chicken Wings and garnish them with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.¼ cup Chopped Green Onion
